Get all the latest Nationals news from MLB.com's Bill Ladson.

Rizzo: Not impressed with Steven Shell

Acting general manager Mike Rizzo acknowledged on Tuesday that he wasn’t impressed with right-hander Steven Shell, who was designated for assignment on Sunday after posting a 5.40 ERA in four relief appearances.

“I didn’t like the mind-set on the mound and his preparation for the game. I didn’t like his whole aura on the mound,” Rizzo said “We talked to him all through spring.”

Last year, Shell had a solid rookie season in 2008, posting a 2.16 ERA in 39 relief appearances, but a few people in the organization believed it was a fluke. They felt Shell didn’t have the fastball to get hitters out consistently.

2 Comments

Mike Rizzo is a great guy and he’s going to do a great job as gm, but as you said, Shell posted excellent numbers last year, which included batters hitting only .194 against him. Shell is a hard worker, well-liked by teammates, and will have lots more success in the future.

Meta

The following are trademarks or service marks of Major League Baseball entities and may be used only with permission of Major League Baseball Properties, Inc. or the relevant Major League Baseball entity: Major League, Major League Baseball, MLB, the silhouetted batter logo, World Series, National League, American League, Division Series, League Championship Series, All-Star Game, and the names, nicknames, logos, uniform designs, color combinations, and slogans designating the Major League Baseball clubs and entities, and their respective mascots, events and exhibitions.